Home Improvement Myths

As Realtors, we always put our clients’ best interests as our top priority. We become their advocates and guide them through buying or selling homes. I came across this great article: Top 10 Home Improvement Myths, and through years of experience I’ve witnessed some believers turn into smart homeowners through proper guidance. Here are the things most of us think are facts, but are actually not.

1.      Any remodeling project will add value to your home. 

In some instances this may be true but certain improvements which are made to fit the current owners’ lifestyle may be viewed negatively by the people buying it in the future. The article cited combining two smaller rooms to make a larger bedroom.

2.      Buying the highest-quality materials attracts more buyers. 

The more expensive the materials, the better chance for a resale --- buying high-end materials may initially sound like a great decision but it has its repercussions. Overhauling the house with such materials can sway value-conscious buyers to more aptly-improved homes in the neighborhood.

3.      Adding square footage always adds value.  

Will the extra square feet be utilized by the homebuyers? If the additional square footage is not useable, the house may lose its value to a buyer if the space is not finished as the rest of the home.

4.      Colors and textures – safe and simple is better. 

Keeping a home with safe neutral colors so those buying it can choose their own combinations may seem feel great --- but what other people do not understand is the fact that most buyers don’t have the ability to visualize the home according to how they actually want it. Lack of color and texture appeal can lose value as oppose to those who took time to consult with an expert.

5.      Inside improvements are better than outside improvements. 

It’s not always the case. If the house doesn’t offer a great curb appeal or the front lawn is neglected, buyers almost always stop there so any improvements you spend on the inside may not get you more dollars. So homeowners should always start remodeling from the outside and work their way in.

6.      Adding a bedroom is better than adding a bathroom. 

This one depends on what you’re starting with. If you have a 2-bedroom house, adding another bedroom is a wise choice as buyers have inclination to 3-bedroom houses but if you already have enough bedrooms, adding a second bath is a great investment.

7.      Paint hides a multitude of sins. 

Molds? Termite issues? Fungus damage? These are the things that paint can fix and if not fixed before the purchase, can set the sellers up for liability in the future.

8.      Converting a garage to living space is a great trade-off. 

This move is viewed negatively by future buyers unless the homeowner replace the converted garage with another parking space of equal size.

9.      Sellers can save money by doing improvements themselves. 

Getting a contractor to fix the smallest of things inside the house feels expensive so some homeowners, fixing these themselves may seem like a bright idea but there are problems that only an expert can deal with. And while getting the first aid done may seem to have solved the problems, in time it may end up costing more.  

  

10. Pools add value to your home.

This depends on where you’re from. Is it necessary to own a pool where you can actually swim for just 10 days a year and maintain it for the rest?

This is a great article that can help you guide your homeowners and buyers alike as to where and how they should start remodeling.  

As a top Realtor, I can give you more tips on how the best ways to remodel your home to better appeal to buyers. . If you have questions,  feel free to call me, Mynor Herrera, I can also give you expert help buying or selling in the DC, MD, & VA areas! I also specialize in Bethesda and Chevy Chase, as well as the sub-divisions of Rosemary Hills, Rock Creek Forest, East Bethesda, and Whitehall Condominium.